TITLE

Sunflowers and Bees

ARTIST

Esmeralda Benitez

CREATED

May 2020

LOCATION

Bicentennial and Tamarack

ABOUT THIS PIECE

With “Sunflowers and Bees” she kept the design simple and zoomed in on our native sunflowers that thrive abundantly here in McAllen and the entire valley. A flowy background was added to create some movement. The bees finished the piece by adding some charm.

ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Esmeralda Benitez, artist and retired art teacher, describes herself as a contemporary realist or a contemporary expressionist, either way nature is most often her subject of choice. “I just think nature or natural objects say it best” explains Esmeralda. I do like to explore a wide variety of subjects, styles and themes but still, I gravitate to nature. Presently Esmeralda resides in McAllen with her Husband, David. She has 2 adult sons, 2 amazing daughter’s in law and 3 beautiful grandchildren.

On each of the 4 irrigation pipes that she painted, “Parrots, Parakeets”(collaboration with Nelda Flores), “Sunflowers and Bees,” “Hummingbirds and Flowers and “McAllen’s Beautiful Walking Trails.” Esmeralda added stylized elements to present her vision in a “fresh” way. She says,“I have truly enjoyed painting each one of these pipes. I am extremely thankful to “Keep McAllen Beautiful’ for their continued support of community art and artists. She adds, “my greatest joy came through my conversations with the wonderful people who walked up and shared their stories and words of encouragement!!